Events

Spring Opera Performance (STREAM)

Sponsored by Music

Date: Saturday, May 10, 2014

Time: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Location: Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall

Sister Angelica & Gianni Schicchi

by Giacomo Puccini

The Luther College Music Department will present two one-act operas by Giacomo Puccini: Sister Angelica & Gianni Schicchi. Thought by many to be the quintessential Italian opera composer, Puccini’s penchant for writing beautiful melodies and for breathing musical life into a story are on full display in these two works.

Sister Angelica takes place in the late eighteenth century in a convent on the Mediterranean Sea. Here amid the daily activities of the nuns a mysterious story unfolds: no one knows why Sister Angelica, a noble woman by birth, came to the convent seven years, nor why she has not heard from her family or friends since she arrived. When Angelica’s aunt makes an unexpected visit to the convent, Angelica is confronted with heartbreaking news and a terrible dilemma. Puccini’s music soars as Angelica resolves to place her fate in the hands of the Virgin Mary.

The action of Gianni Schicchi takes place in Florence in the year 1918. The relatives of Buoso Donati are gathered by his deathbed; yet, rather than mourning his loss, the Donati family desperately wants to inherit a fortune from Buoso’s will. When the family learns that Buoso has bequeathed his entire estate to the church, they have no choice but to seek the help of Gianni Schicchi, a crafty and notorious swindler. Together, they hatch a plot to revoke Buoso’s will, but Gianni’s true motives aren’t revealed until the lawyer actually arrives. This masterful comedy, which contains one of opera’s most beloved arias, never fails to entertain.

Both operas are double cast in the leading roles. Sopranos Andrea Keuper and Brittney Leemon sing the title role in Sister Angelica. Baritones David Geist and Evan Mitchell sing the title role in Gianni Schicchi. One of the most famous and iconic arias in all of opera, “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi, will be sung by sopranos Vanessa Libbey and Jennifer LeDoux, playing the role of Schicchi’s daughter Lauretta. The performances will be sung in English. Stage direction is by Professor of Music Andrew Whitfield, set design by Professor of Theater Jeff Dintaman, and the Luther College Chamber Orchestra will be conducted by Professor of Music Daniel Baldwin.

The performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 in the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther campus. Tickets ($15 adults; $8 children under 12) may be purchased at the Luther College Box Office in the CFL, online at